Display devices and methods of manufacturing display devices

ABSTRACT

A display device includes a substrate having a pixel region and a peripheral circuit region, peripheral circuits disposed in the peripheral circuit region, an insulation layer covering the peripheral circuits, a first electrode disposed on the insulation layer in the pixel region, at least one protection structure disposed on the insulation layer in the peripheral circuit region, and a light emitting structure or a liquid crystal layer disposed on the first electrode. The protection structure can prevent damage to the peripheral circuits caused by static electricity generated in manufacturing processes, so that the display device can have improved reliability while reducing defects of pixels in the display device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 USC §119 to Korean PatentApplication No. 2011-0062876 filed on Jun. 28, 2011 in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office (KIPO), the contents of which are hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Some embodiments relate to display devices having protection structuresand methods of manufacturing display devices having protectionstructures.

2. Description of the Related Technology

Generally, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device displays an image bycontrolling light transmittance of liquid crystal molecules aligned in amatrix structure in a liquid crystal layer in accordance with signalsapplied to the liquid crystal layer. A thin film transistor (TFT) isusually used as a switching device for providing the signals to theliquid crystal layer. Meanwhile, an organic light emitting display(OLED) device usually displays an image using colors of light generatedfrom an organic light emitting layer disposed between two substratesthereof. In the OLED device, a thin film transistor is also used as aswitching device for generating an electric field between two electrodesin the OLED device.

Static electricity may be generated while manufacturing a display devicesuch as the liquid crystal display device or the OLED device. Peripheralcircuits disposed in a peripheral circuit region of a glass substrate inthe display device may be easily damaged by the static electricity.Therefore, failures of the display device may frequently occur and areliability of the display device may be deteriorated. For example, acircuit element such as a gate driver may be easily damaged by thestatic electricity generated in manufacturing processes, so that linedefects of pixels may often occur in the display device.

SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE ASPECTS

Some embodiments provide a display device including a protectionstructure for preventing damages to peripheral circuits caused by staticelectricity.

Some embodiments provide a method of manufacturing a display deviceincluding a protection structure for preventing damages to peripheralcircuits caused by static electricity.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a display device. Thedisplay device can include a substrate including a pixel region and aperipheral circuit region, a plurality of transistors, an insulationlayer, a first electrode, at least one protection structure, a pixeldefining layer, a light emitting structure and a second electrode. Thetransistors can be disposed on the substrate. The insulation layer canbe disposed on the substrate to cover the transistors. The firstelectrode can be disposed on the insulation layer in the pixel region.The at least one protection structure can be disposed on the insulationlayer in the peripheral circuit region. The pixel defining layer can bedisposed on first electrode and the protection structure to expose aportion of the first electrode. The light emitting structure can bedisposed on the exposed portion of the first electrode. The secondelectrode can be disposed on the light emitting structure and the pixeldefining layer.

The transistors in the peripheral circuit region can have differentconductive types, respectively.

The first electrode can include a material substantially the same as orsubstantially similar to that of the protection layer. For example, eachof the first electrode and the protection structure can include atransparent conductive material.

The first electrode can include a material different from that of theprotection structure. For example, the first electrode and theprotection structure can include different materials of metal, alloy,metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, etc.

The protection structure can be electrically connected to the secondelectrode in the peripheral circuit region.

The display device can include peripheral circuits, for example, a gatedriver, a data driver and a timing controller, which can be disposed onthe substrate in the peripheral circuit region. In this case, one theprotection structure can entirely cover the peripheral circuits. In someembodiments, a plurality of protection structures can cover theperipheral circuits, respectively.

The insulation layer can include a first insulation film covering thetransistors in the pixel region and the peripheral circuit region, and asecond insulation film disposed on the first insulation film. Theprotection structure can be disposed on the first insulation film in theperipheral circuit region, and the first electrode can be disposed onthe second insulation film in the pixel region.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a display deviceincluding a first substrate including a pixel region and a peripheralcircuit region, a plurality of transistors, an insulation layer, a firstelectrode, at least one protection structure, a liquid crystal layer, asecond electrode and a second substrate. The transistors can be disposedon the first substrate. The insulation layer can be disposed on thefirst substrate to cover the transistors. The first electrode can bedisposed on the insulation layer in the pixel region. The at least oneprotection structure can be disposed on the insulation layer in theperipheral circuit region. The liquid crystal layer can be disposed onthe first electrode. The second electrode can be disposed on the liquidcrystal layer and the protection structure. The second substrate can bedisposed on the second electrode.

The protection structure can be electrically connected to the secondelectrode.

The display devices can include peripheral circuits including a gatedriver having the transistors, a data driver and a timing controller,which can be disposed on the first substrate in the peripheral circuitregion. Here, one protection structure can entirely cover the peripheralcircuits. In some embodiments, a plurality of protection structures cancover the peripheral circuits, respectively.

The first electrode and the protection structure can be disposed on onelevel or different levels.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a method ofmanufacturing a display device. In the method, peripheral circuits canbe formed in a peripheral circuit region of a substrate including apixel region and the peripheral circuit region. An insulation layer canbe formed on the substrate to cover the peripheral circuits. A firstelectrode can be formed on the insulation layer in the pixel region. Atleast one protection structure can be formed on the insulation layer inthe peripheral circuit region. A pixel defining layer can be formed onthe first electrode and the protection structure to expose a portion ofthe first electrode. A light emitting structure can be formed on theexposed portion of the first electrode. A second electrode can be formedon the light emitting structure and the pixel defining layer.

After forming a conductive layer on the insulation layer, the firstelectrode and the protection structure can be respectively formed in thepixel region and the peripheral circuit region by patterning theconductive layer.

After forming a first insulation film on the substrate to cover theperipheral circuits, the protection structure can be formed on the firstinsulation film in the peripheral pixel region. A second insulation filmcan be formed on the first insulation film and the protection structure,and then the first electrode can be formed on the second insulation filmin the pixel region.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a method ofmanufacturing a display device. In the method, peripheral circuits canbe formed on in a peripheral circuit region of a first substrateincluding a pixel region and the peripheral circuit region. Aninsulation layer can be formed on the first substrate to cover theperipheral circuits. A first electrode can be formed on the insulationlayer in the pixel region. At least one protection structure can beformed on the insulation layer in the peripheral circuit region. Aliquid crystal layer can be formed on the first electrode. A secondelectrode can be formed on the liquid crystal layer and the protectionstructure. A second substrate can be formed on the second electrode.

After forming a conductive layer on the insulation layer, the conductivelayer can be patterned to form one protection structure entirelycovering the peripheral circuits or to form a plurality of protectionstructures covering the peripheral circuits, respectively.

According to some embodiments, a display device an organic lightemitting display device or a liquid crystal display can include at leastone protection structure covering peripheral circuits, so that theprotection structure can effectively prevent damages to the peripheralcircuits caused by static electricities generated in manufacturingprocesses for the display device. As a result, defects of pixel in thedisplay device can be reduced and a reliability of the display devicecan be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments will be more clearly understood from the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. FIGS. 1 to 8 represent certain non-limiting embodiments asdescribed herein.

FIGS. 1 to 6 are cross-sectional views illustrating an embodiment of amethod of manufacturing a display device.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a displaydevice.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a displaydevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments areshown. The invention can, however, be embodied in many different formsand should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forthherein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this descriptionwill be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of theinvention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes andrelative sizes of layers and regions can be exaggerated for clarity.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, itcan be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layeror intervening elements or layers can be present. In contrast, when anelement is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to”or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are nointervening elements or layers present. Like numerals generally refer tolike elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes anyand all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc.can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions,layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layersand/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms areonly used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer orsection from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element,component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed asecond element, component, region, layer or section without departingfrom the teachings of the invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper” and the like, can be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectionalillustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments(and intermediate structures). As such, variations from the shapes ofthe illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniquesand/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments should not beconstrued as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustratedherein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example,from manufacturing. For example, an implanted region illustrated as arectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and/or agradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binarychange from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried regionformed by implantation can result in some implantation in the regionbetween the buried region and the surface through which the implantationtakes place. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematicin nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actualshape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

FIGS. 1 to 6 are cross-sectional views illustrating an embodiment of amethod of manufacturing a display device. Although the methodillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 can provide an organic light emittingdisplay device, other flat panel display devices can be obtained bypartially modifying processes illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6.

Referring to FIG. 1, a first substrate 100 having a pixel region (I) anda peripheral circuit region (II) can be prepared. The first substrate100 can include a transparent insulation substrate. The first substrate100 can include a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, a transparentplastic substrate, a transparent ceramic substrate, and the like. Theperipheral circuit region (II) is shown adjacent to the pixel region (I)for convenience in FIGS. 1 to 6. In other embodiments, the pixel region(I) can be separated from the peripheral circuit region (II) by apredetermined distanceA plurality of pixel regions (I) can be providedat a central portion of the first substrate 100, and the peripheralcircuit regions (II) can be disposed at a peripheral portion of thefirst substrate 100 to surround the pixel regions (I). The pixel region(I) can include driving transistors and the peripheral circuit region(II) can include switching transistors. These transistors can includethin film transistors or oxide semiconductor devices.

A buffer layer 103 can be formed on the first substrate 100. The bufferlayer 103 can extend from the pixel region (I) to the peripheral circuitregion (II). The buffer layer 103 can be formed using silicon compound.In some embodiments, the buffer layer 103 can be formed using siliconoxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy),silicon oxycarbide (SiOxCy), silicon carbonitride (SiCxNy), and thelike. These can be used alone or in a combination thereof. The bufferlayer 103 can be formed on the first substrate 100 by a chemical vapordeposition (CVD) process, a thermal oxidation process, a plasma enhancedchemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process, a high densityplasma-chemical vapor deposition (HDP-CVD) process, a spin coatingprocess, and the like. In some embodiments, the buffer layer 103 canhave a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure includingat least one silicon compound film. The buffer layer 103 can preventdiffusion of metal atoms and/or impurities from the first substrate 100in subsequent processes. When the buffer layer 103 is provided on thefirst substrate 100, the buffer layer 103 can control a heat transferrate of a subsequent crystallization process. The buffer layer 103 canimprove a flatness of an upper face of the first substrate 100 when theupper face of the first substrate 100 is relatively uniform. In someembodiments, the buffer layer 103 can not be formed on the firstsubstrate 100 in accordance with ingredients and/or surface conditionsof the first substrate 100.

A first semiconductor pattern 106, a lower electrode 109 of a storagecapacitor, a second semiconductor pattern 112 and a third semiconductorpattern 115 can be formed on the buffer layer 103. The firstsemiconductor pattern 106 and the lower electrode 109 can be disposed inthe pixel region (I), and the second and third semiconductor patterns112 and 115 can be positioned in the peripheral circuit region (II).

In some embodiments, after forming a semiconductor layer (notillustrated) on the buffer layer 103, the semiconductor layer can bepatterned to form a preliminary first semiconductor pattern (notillustrated) and a preliminary lower electrode (not illustrated) in thepixel region (I), and to form a preliminary second semiconductor pattern(not illustrated) and a preliminary third semiconductor pattern (notillustrated) in the peripheral circuit region (II). A crystallizationprocess can be performed about the preliminary first to the preliminarythird semiconductor patterns and the preliminary lower electrode tothereby form the first to third semiconductor patterns 106, 112 and 115and the lower electrode 109 on the buffer layer 103. The semiconductorlayer can be formed using amorphous silicon, amorphous siliconcontaining impurities, and the like. The semiconductor layer can beformed by a chemical vapor deposition process, a plasma enhancedchemical vapor deposition process, a low pressure chemical vapordeposition process, a sputtering process, and the like. The first to thethird semiconductor patterns 106, 112 and 115 and the lower electrode109 can include polysilicon, polysilicon containing impurities,partially crystallized silicon, silicon containing micro crystals, andthe like. The first to the third semiconductor patterns 106, 112 and 115and the lower electrode 109 can be formed by a laser irradiationprocess, a thermal process, a thermal process using a catalyst, and thelike.

In some embodiments, after forming the semiconductor layer or formingthe preliminary first to the preliminary third semiconductor patternsand the preliminary lower electrode, a dehydrogenation process can beperformed about the semiconductor layer and/or the preliminary first tothe preliminary third semiconductor patterns and the preliminary lowerelectrode. As a result, concentration(s) of hydrogen atoms in thesemiconductor layer and/or the preliminary first to the preliminarythird semiconductor patterns and the preliminary lower electrode can bereduced, so that electrical characteristics of the first to the thirdsemiconductor patterns 106, 112 and 115 and the lower electrode 109 canbe improved.

Referring to FIG. 2, a gate insulation layer 118 can be formed on thebuffer layer 103 to cover the first to the third semiconductor patterns106, 112 and 115 and the lower electrode 109. The gate insulation layer118 can be formed using silicon oxide, metal oxide, and the like.Examples of metal oxide in the gate insulation layer 118 can includehafnium oxide (HfOx), aluminum oxide (AlOx), zirconium oxide (ZrOx),titanium oxide (TiOx), tantalum oxide (TaOx), and the like. These can beused alone or in a combination thereof. The gate insulation layer 118can be formed on the buffer layer 103 by a chemical vapor depositionprocess, a spin coating process, a plasma enhanced chemical vapordeposition process, a sputtering process, a vacuum evaporation process,a high density plasma-chemical vapor deposition process, a printingprocess, and the like.

A first gate electrode 121, an upper electrode 124 of the storagecapacitor, a second gate electrode 127 and a third gate electrode 130can be formed on the gate insulation layer 118. Each of the first to thethird gate electrodes 121, 127 and 130 and the upper electrode 124 canbe formed using metal, alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, atransparent conductive material, and the like. The first to the thirdgate electrodes 121, 127 and 130 and the upper electrode 124 can beformed using aluminum (Al), alloy containing aluminum, aluminum nitride(AlNx), silver (Ag), alloy containing silver, tungsten (W), tungstennitride (WNx), copper (Cu), alloy containing copper, nickel (Ni), chrome(Cr), chrome nitride (CrNx), molybdenum (Mo), alloy containingmolybdenum, titanium (Ti), titanium nitride (TiNx), platinum (Pt),tantalum (Ta), tantalum nitride (TaNx), neodymium (Nd), scandium (Sc),strontium ruthenium oxide (SRO), zinc oxide (ZnOx), indium tin oxide(ITO), tin oxide (SnOx), indium oxide (InOx), gallium oxide (GaOx),indium zinc oxide (IZO), and the like. These can be used alone or in acombination thereof.

In some embodiments, after forming a first conductive layer (notillustrated) on the gate insulation layer 118, the first conductivelayer can be patterned by a photolithography process or an etchingprocess using an additional mask, so that the first to the third gateelectrode 121, 127 and 130 and the upper electrode 124 can be obtained.The first conductive layer can be formed by a sputtering process, achemical vapor deposition process, a pulsed laser deposition (PLD)process, a vacuum evaporation process, an atomic layer deposition (ALD)process, and the like. The first gate electrode 121 and the upperelectrode 124 can be disposed in the pixel region (I) while the secondand the third gate electrode 127 and 130 can be positioned in theperipheral circuit region (II). Thus, the storage capacitor in the pixelregion (I) can include the lower electrode 109, a portion of the gateinsulation layer 118 and upper electrode 124.

A gate line (not illustrated) can be formed on a portion of the gateinsulation layer 118 in the pixel region (I). The gate line can beprovided adjacent to the first gate electrode 121, and the first gateelectrode 121 can be connected with the gate line. The gate line canextend on the gate insulation layer 118 along a first direction.

Referring to FIG. 3, impurities can be doped into the first to the thirdsemiconductor patterns 106, 112 and 115 using the first to the thirdgate electrodes 121, 127 and 130 as masks. Thus, a first source region133 and a first drain region 139 can be formed at lateral portions ofthe first semiconductor pattern 106. A second source region 142 and asecond drain region 148 can be formed at lateral portions of the secondsemiconductor pattern 112. A third source region 151 and a third drainregion 157 can be formed at lateral portions of the third semiconductorpattern 115. As formations of the first to the third source regions 133,142 and 151 and the first to the third drain regions 139, 148 and 157, afirst channel region 136, a second channel region 145 and a thirdchannel region 154 can be defined in the first semiconductor pattern106, the second semiconductor pattern 112 and the third semiconductorpattern 115, respectively. The first to the third channel regions 136,145 and 154 can be positioned at central portions of the first to thethird semiconductor patterns 106, 112 and 115, respectively.

In some embodiments, the impurities doped into the first to the thirdsemiconductor patterns 106, 112 and 115 can vary in accordance withconductivity types of transistors provided in the pixel region (I) andthe peripheral circuit region (II). When a first transistor such as anN-type first transistor is formed in the pixel region (I), N-typeimpurities can be doped into the first semiconductor pattern 106 to formthe first source region 133 and the first drain region 139. When asecond transistor and a third transistor having different conductivitytypes such as an N-type transistor and a P-type transistor are formed inthe peripheral circuit region (II), the second source region 142, thesecond drain region 148, the third source region 151 and the third drainregion 157 can be obtained by implanting N-type impurities and theP-type impurities into the second semiconductor pattern 112 and thethird semiconductor pattern 115, respectively.

An insulation interlayer 160 can be formed on the gate insulation layer118 to cover the first to the third gate electrodes 121, 127 and 130.The insulation interlayer 160 can also cover the upper electrode 124 ofthe storage capacitor. The insulation interlayer 160 can have asubstantially uniform thickness along a profile of the first to thethird gate electrodes 121, 127 and 130 and the upper electrode 124.Hence, the insulation interlayer 160 can have stepped portions adjacentto the first to the third gate electrodes 121, 127 and 130 and the upperelectrode 124. The insulation interlayer 160 can be formed using asilicon compound. The insulation interlayer 160 can be formed usingsilicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, siliconcarbonitride, silicon oxycarbide, and the like. These can be used aloneor in a combination thereof. The insulation interlayer 160 can have asingle-layered structure or a multi-layered structure including asilicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxynitride film, asilicon carbonitride film and/or a silicon oxycarbide film. Theinsulation interlayer 160 can be obtained by a spin coating process, achemical vapor deposition process, a plasma enhanced chemical vapordeposition process, a high density plasma-chemical vapor depositionprocess, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 4, a first source electrode 163, a second sourceelectrode 169 and a third source electrode 175 can be formed on theinsulation interlayer 160. A first drain electrode 166, a second drainelectrode 172 and a third drain electrode 178 can be formed on theinsulation interlayer 160. The first source electrode 163 can beseparated from the first drain electrode 166 by a predetermined distancesubstantially centered around the first gate electrode 121. The secondsource electrode 169 can be spaced apart from the second drain electrode172 by a predetermined distance substantially centered around the secondgate electrode 127. The third source electrode 175 and the third drainelectrode 178 can be separated from each other by a predetermineddistance substantially centered around the third gate electrode 130. Thefirst to the third source electrodes 163, 169 and 175 can pass throughthe insulation interlayer 160 to make contact with the first to thethird source regions 133, 142 and 151, respectively. The first to thethird drain electrodes 166, 172 and 178 can pass through the insulationinterlayer 160 to be connected with the first to the third drain regions139, 148 and 157, respectively.

In some embodiments, after forming contact holes partially exposing thefirst to the third source regions 133, 142 and 151 and the first to thethird drain regions 139, 148 and 157 by etching the insulationinterlayer 160, a second conductive layer (not illustrated) can beformed on the insulation interlayer 160 to fill the contact holes. Thesecond conductive layer can be patterned to form the first to the thirdsource electrodes 163, 169 and 175 and the first to the third drainelectrodes 166, 172 and 178. The second conductive layer can be formedby a sputtering process, a chemical vapor deposition process, a pulsedlaser deposition process, a vacuum evaporation process, an atomic layerdeposition process, a printing process, and the like. Each of the firstto the third source electrodes 163, 169 and 175 and each of the first tothe third drain electrodes 166, 172 and 178 can be formed using metal,alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductivematerial, and the like. The first to the third source electrodes 163,169 and 175 and the first to the third drain electrodes 166, 172 and 178can be formed using aluminum, alloy containing aluminum, aluminumnitride, silver, alloy containing silver, tungsten, tungsten nitride,copper, alloy containing copper, nickel, chrome, chrome nitride,molybdenum, alloy containing molybdenum, titanium, titanium nitride,platinum, tantalum, tantalum nitride, neodymium, scandium, strontiumruthenium oxide, zinc oxide, indium tin oxide, tin oxide, indium oxide,gallium oxide, indium zinc oxide, and the like, respectively. These canbe used alone or in a combination thereof. Each of the first to thethird source electrodes 163, 169 and 175 and each of the first to thethird drain electrodes 166, 172 and 178 can have a single-layeredstructure or a multi-layered structure including a metal film, an alloyfilm, a metal nitride film, a conductive metal oxide film and/or atransparent conductive material film.

A data line (not illustrated) can be formed on the insulation interlayer160 in the pixel region (I). The data line can extend along a seconddirection substantially perpendicular to the first direction where thegate line extends. The date line can be connected to the first sourceelectrode 163.

In some embodiments, the first transistor, the second transistor and thethird transistors can be provided on the first substrate 100 asformations of the first to the third source electrodes 163, 169 and 175and the first to the third drain electrodes 166, 172 and 178. The firsttransistor can be disposed in the pixel region (I), and the second andthe third transistors can be disposed in the peripheral circuit region(II). In such embodiments, the first transistor can serve as a drivingdevice, and the second and third transistors can serve as switchingdevices. The first transistor can include the first semiconductorpattern 106, the first gate electrode 121, the first source electrode163 and the first drain electrode 166. The second transistor can includethe second semiconductor pattern 112, the second gate electrode 127, thesecond source electrode 169 and the second drain electrode 172. Thethird transistor can include the third semiconductor pattern 115, thethird gate electrode 130, the third source electrode 175 and the thirddrain electrode 178.

In some embodiments, a plurality of pixels can be disposed in the pixelregion (I) of the organic light emitting display device, and a pluralityof first transistors for the pixels can be formed in the pixel region(I). A gate driver can be formed in the peripheral circuit region (II)of the organic light emitting display device. The gate driver caninclude the second transistor, the third transistor, a shift resistor,and other components. Peripheral circuits including a data driver (notillustrated), a timing controller (not illustrated) and the gate drivercan be disposed in the peripheral circuit region (II).

Referring still to FIG. 4, an insulation layer 181 can be formed on theinsulation interlayer 160 to cover the first to the third sourceelectrodes 163, 169 and 175 and the first to the third drain electrodes166, 172 and 178. The insulation layer 181 can have a substantiallylevel upper face to fully cover the first to the third source electrodes163, 169 and 175 and the first to the third drain electrodes 166, 172and 178. The insulation layer 181 can be formed using a transparentinsulation material, silicon compound, metal compound, and the like. Theinsulation layer 181 can include photoresist, acryl-based resin,epoxy-based resin, phenol-based resin, polyamide-based resin,polyimide-based resin, unsaturated polyester-based resin,polyphenylene-based resin, polyphenylenesulfide-based resin,benzocyclobutene (BCB), silicon oxide, silicon nitride, siliconoxynitride, silicon oxycarbide, silicon barbonitride, aluminum oxide,titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, hafniumoxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, and the like. These can be usedalone or in a combination thereof. The insulation layer 181 can beobtained by a spin coating process, a printing process, a chemical vapordeposition process, an atomic layer deposition process, a plasmaenhanced chemical vapor deposition process, a high densityplasma-chemical vapor deposition process, a vacuum evaporation process,and the like.

Referring to FIG. 5, after forming a first opening 184 exposing thefirst drain electrode 166 by partially etching the insulation layer 181,a first electrode 187 and a protection structure 190 can be formed onthe insulation layer 181. The first electrode 187 can be disposed in thepixel region (I), and the protection structure 190 can be positioned inthe peripheral circuit region (II).

In some embodiments, a third conductive layer (not illustrated) can beformed on the insulation layer 181 to fill the first opening 184 of theinsulation layer 181. The third conductive layer can be formed by asputtering process, a chemical vapor deposition process, an atomic layerdeposition process, a printing process, a vacuum evaporation process, apulsed laser deposition process, and the like. The third conductivelayer can extend on the insulation layer 181 from the pixel region (I)to the peripheral circuit region (II). The third conductive layer can bepatterned by a photolithography process or an etching process using ahard mask. Thus, the first electrode 187 can be formed on the insulationlayer 181 in the pixel region (I), and the protection structure 190 canbe simultaneously formed on the insulation layer 181 in the peripheralcircuit region (II). The first electrode 187 can be formed on an exposedportion of the first drain electrode 166, a sidewall of the firstopening 184 and the insulation layer 181 in the pixel region (I).

In some embodiments, the protection structure 190 can be separated fromthe first electrode 187 by a predetermined distance. The protectionstructure 190 can protect the peripheral circuits including the gatedriver, the data driver and the timing controller disposed under theprotection structure 190 in the peripheral circuit region (II) becausethe protection structure 190 can prevent damage to the peripheralcircuits caused by static electricity generated from the first substrate100 in the above-described processes and/or static electricity generatedin subsequent processes. The protection structure 190 can beelectrically connected to a second electrode 199 (see FIG. 6) commonlyshared by the pixels of the organic light emitting display device, sothat the protection structure 190 can effectively dissipate the staticelectricity generated by processes for manufacturing the organic lightemitting display device. The protection structure 190 can have a shapefor entirely covering the gate driver, the data driver, the timingcontroller, and other components.

In some embodiments, a plurality of protection structures 190 can beformed on the insulation layer 181 in the peripheral circuit region(II). In such embodiments, the protection structures 190 can cover theperipheral circuits such as the gate driver, the data driver and thetiming controller, respectively. The protection structures 190 can beformed on the insulation layer 181 in the peripheral circuit region (II)by patterning the third conductive layer disposed in the peripheralcircuit region (II). The protection structures 190 can have planarshapes substantially the same as or substantially similar to those ofthe peripheral circuits positioned in the peripheral circuit region(II).

In some embodiments, the first electrode 187 can include a materialsubstantially the same as or substantially similar to that of theprotection structure 190. Each of the first electrode 187 and theprotection structure 190 can be formed using a transparent conductivematerial, metal, alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, and thelike. The transparent conductive material in the first electrode 187 andthe protection structure 190 can include indium tin oxide (ITO), indiumzinc oxide (IZO), zinc tin oxide (ZTO), zinc oxide, tin oxide, indiumoxide, gallium oxide, and the like. These can be used alone or in acombination thereof. When the first electrode 187 and the protectionstructure 190 are simultaneously formed, each of the first electrode 187and the protection structure 190 can have a single-layered structure ora multi-layered structure including a transparent conductive materialfilm, a metal film, an alloy film, a metal nitride film and/or aconductive metal oxide film.

In some embodiments, the first electrode 187 can include a materialdifferent from that of the protection structure 190. The first electrode187 and the protection structure 190 can include substantially differenttransparent conductive materials, substantially different metals,substantially different alloys, substantially different metal nitrides,substantially different conductive metal oxides, and the like. In suchembodiments, after forming the first electrode 187 on the insulationlayer 181 in the pixel region (I), the protection structure 190 can beformed on the insulation layer 181 in the peripheral circuit region(II). In some embodiments, the protection structure 190 can be formed onthe insulation layer 181 in the peripheral circuit region (II), and thenthe first electrode 187 can be formed on the insulation layer 181 in thepixel region (I).

Referring to FIG. 6, a pixel defining layer 193 can be formed on theinsulation layer 181, the first electrode 197 and the protectionstructure 190. The pixel defining layer 193 can be formed using anorganic material or an inorganic material. The pixel defining layer 193can be formed using photoresist, polyacryl-based resin, polyimide-basedresin, acryl-based resin, silicon compound, and the like.

A second opening 195 can be formed to expose a portion of the firstelectrode 187 in the pixel region (I) by partially etching the pixeldefining layer 193. When the second opening 195 is formed through thepixel defining layer 193, a display region can be defined in the pixelregion (I) of the organic light emitting display device. A portion ofthe pixel region (I) can correspond to the display region where thesecond opening 195 of the pixel defining layer 193 is positioned, andother portions in the pixel region (I) can correspond to a non-displayregion. The second opening 195 of the pixel defining layer 193 can havea lower width substantially smaller than an upper width of the secondopening 195. The second opening 195 of the pixel defining layer 193 canhave a side wall substantially inclined by a predetermined angle. Insome embodiments, one second opening 195 of the pixel defining layer 193can be formed in the pixel region (I). In other embodiments, a pluralityof second openings 195 can be formed in the pixel region (I) to exposeportions of the first electrode 187, respectively.

A light emitting structure 196 can be formed on the portion of the firstelectrode 187 exposed by the second opening 195 of the pixel defininglayer 193. The light emitting structure 196 can include a light emittinglayer (EL), a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL),an electron transport layer (ETL), an electron injection layer (EIL),and the like. In some embodiments, the light emitting layer of the lightemitting structure 196 can be formed using light emitting materials forgenerating different colors of light such as a red color of light, agreen color of light and a blue color of light in accordance with thepixels of the organic light emitting display device. In someembodiments, the light emitting layer of the light emitting structure196 can have a multi-layered structure for generating a white color oflight by successively depositing a plurality of light emitting materialsfor generating different colors of light such as a red color of light, agreen color of light and a blue color of light.

The light emitting structure 196 can make contact with the firstelectrode 187 and the pixel defining layer 193. A lower face of thelight emitting structure 196 can contact the first electrode 187, and alateral portion of the light emitting structure 196 can make contactwith the pixel defining layer 193. A sidewall of the light emittingstructure 196 can have an angle of inclination substantially the same asor substantially similar to that of the sidewall of the second opening195. In embodiments where second opening 195 is formed through the pixeldefining layer 193, one light emitting structure 196 can be formed onthe first electrode 187. In embodiments where a plurality of secondopenings 195 are formed through the pixel defining layer 193, aplurality of light emitting structures 196 can be formed on the firstelectrode 187.

Referring still to FIG. 6, a second electrode 199 serving as a commonelectrode shared by the pixels can be formed on the pixel defining layer193 and the light emitting structure 196. The second electrode 199 canextend from the pixel region (I) to the peripheral circuit region (II).The second electrode 199 can be electrically connected to the protectionstructure 190 in the peripheral circuit region (II). Thus, theprotection structure 190 can prevent damage to various peripheralcircuits in the peripheral circuit region (II) caused by the staticelectricity in the above-described processes and/or subsequentprocesses.

The second electrode 199 can be formed using metal, alloy, metalnitride, a transparent conductive material, conductive metal compound,and the like. The second electrode 199 can be formed by a sputteringprocess, a chemical vapor deposition process, an atomic layer depositionprocess, a printing process, a vacuum evaporation process, a pulsedlaser deposition process, a printing process, and the like. In someembodiments, the second electrode 199 can be formed using a materialsubstantially the same as or substantially similar to that of theprotection structure 190. In some embodiments, the second electrode 199can include a material substantially different from that of theprotection structure 190. The second electrode 199 can have apredetermined angle of inclination in the display region according tothe angle of the sidewall of the second opening 195 of the pixeldefining layer 193.

A protection layer 202 can be formed on the second electrode 199. Theprotection layer 202 can be formed from the pixel region (I) to theperipheral circuit region (II). The protection layer 202 can be formedusing an organic material or an inorganic material. The protection layer202 can include photoresist, acryl-based polymer, polyimide-basedpolymer, polyamide-based polymer, siloxane-based polymer, polymercontaining photosensitive acrylic carboxyl group, novolak resin,alkali-soluble resin, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, siliconoxynitride, silicon oxycarbide, silicon carbonitride, aluminum oxide,titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, hafniumoxide, zirconium oxide, and the like. These can be used alone or in acombination thereof. The protection layer 202 can be obtained by a spincoating process, a printing process, a sputtering process, a chemicalvapor deposition process, an atomic layer deposition process, a plasmaenhanced chemical vapor deposition process, a high densityplasma-chemical vapor deposition process, a vacuum evaporation process,and the like.

A second substrate 205 can be disposed on the protection layer 202 toprovide the organic light emitting display device. The second substrate205 can include a transparent insulation substrate such as a glasssubstrate, a quartz substrate, a transparent plastic substrate, atransparent ceramic substrate, and the like. In some embodiments, apredetermined space can be provided between the protection layer 202 andthe second substrate 205 or between the protection layer 202 and thesecond electrode 199 in the display region. The space can be filled withan air, an inert gas such as a nitrogen gas and/or a resin having alight transmittance and a hydroscopicity.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a displaydevice. An organic light emitting display device illustrated in FIG. 7can include elements substantially the same as or substantially similarto those of the organic light emitting display device described withreference to FIG. 6, and therefore a detailed description of thoseelements is omitted.

Referring to FIG. 7, an embodiment of the organic light emitting displaydevice can include an insulation layer having a first insulation film182 and a second insulation film 211 disposed on a first substrate 100.The first substrate 100 can have a pixel region (I) and a peripheralcircuit region (II).

The first insulation film 182 can cover a first transistor to a thirdtransistor positioned on the first substrate 100. The first insulationfilm 182 can include a material substantially the same as orsubstantially similar to that of the insulation layer 182 described withreference to FIG. 4. The first insulation film 182 can be formed by aprocess substantially the same as or substantially similar to that forforming the insulation layer 182 described with reference to FIG. 4.

A protection structure 208 can be disposed on the first insulation film182 in the peripheral circuit region (II) of the organic light emittingdisplay device. The protection structure 208 can include a transparentconductive material, metal, alloy, metal nitride, conductive metaloxide, and the like. The protection structure 208 can include aluminum,alloy containing aluminum, aluminum nitride, silver, alloy containingsilver, tungsten, tungsten nitride, copper, alloy containing copper,nickel, chrome, chrome nitride, molybdenum, alloy containing molybdenum,titanium, titanium nitride, platinum, tantalum, tantalum nitride,neodymium, scandium, strontium ruthenium oxide, zinc oxide, indium tinoxide, tin oxide, indium oxide, gallium oxide, indium zinc oxide, zinctin oxide, and the like. These can be used alone or in a combinationthereof. The protection structure 208 can have a single-layeredstructure or a multi-layered structure including a transparentconductive material film, a metal film, an alloy film, a metal nitridefilm and/or a conductive metal oxide film. In some embodiments, afterforming a conductive layer (not illustrated) on the first insulationfilm 182, the protection structure 208 can be formed in the peripheralcircuit region (II) by patterning the conductive layer.

The protection structure 208 can protect peripheral circuits includingthe second and the third transistors in the peripheral circuit region(II) from being damaged by static electricity. The peripheral circuitsincluding a data driver, a timing controller and a gate driver havingthe second and the third transistors can be disposed in peripheralcircuit region (II). The protection structure 208 can have a shapeentirely covering the peripheral circuits including the gate driver, thedata driver and the timing controller. In some embodiments, a pluralityof protection structures 208 can be disposed on the first insulationfilm 182 to cover the peripheral circuits, respectively.

The second insulation film 211 can be disposed on the first insulationfilm 182 in the pixel region (I) and on the protection structure 208 inthe peripheral circuit region (II). The second insulation film 211 caninclude a material substantially the same as or substantially similar tothat of the first insulation film 182. The second insulation film 211can be formed by a process substantially the same as or substantiallysimilar to that for forming the first insulation film 182.

A first electrode 215 can be disposed on the second insulation film 211in the pixel region (I). The first electrode 215 can pass through thesecond insulation film 211 and the first insulation film 182. The firstelectrode 215 can be connected to a first drain electrode 166. In someembodiments, the first electrode 215 and the protection structure 208can be disposed on one level. The protection structure 208 can have athickness on the second insulation film 211 substantially the same as orsubstantially similar to that of the first electrode 215 on the secondinsulation film 211. In other embodiments, the first electrode 215 andthe protection structure 208 can be positioned on different levels,respectively. A distance between the first substrate 100 and the firstelectrode 215 can be substantially larger than a distance between thefirst substrate 100 and the protection structure 208.

The first electrode 215 can include a transparent conductive material,metal, alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, and the like. Thefirst electrode 215 can include aluminum, alloy containing aluminum,aluminum nitride, silver, alloy containing silver, tungsten, tungstennitride, copper, alloy containing copper, nickel, chrome, chromenitride, molybdenum, alloy containing molybdenum, titanium, titaniumnitride, platinum, tantalum, tantalum nitride, neodymium, scandium,strontium ruthenium oxide, zinc oxide, indium tin oxide, tin oxide,indium oxide, gallium oxide, indium zinc oxide, zinc tin oxide, and thelike. These can be used alone or in a combination thereof. The firstelectrode 215 can have a single-layered structure or a multi-layeredstructure including a transparent conductive material film, a metalfilm, an alloy film, a metal nitride film and/or a conductive metaloxide film. In some embodiments, the first electrode 215 can include amaterial substantially the same as or substantially similar to that ofthe protection structure 208. In some embodiments, the first electrode215 can include a material substantially different from that of theprotection structure 208.

A pixel defining layer 218 can cover the first electrode 215 in thepixel region (I) and the second insulation film 211 in the peripheralcircuit region (II). An opening 221 can be formed through the pixeldefining layer 218 to expose a portion of the first electrode 215 tothereby define a display region of the organic light emitting displaydevice.

A light emitting structure (not shown) can be disposed on the exposedportion of the first electrode 215 in the display region. A secondelectrode, a protection layer and a second substrate can be disposed onthe light emitting structure and the pixel defining layer 218. Theseelements can be substantially the same as or substantially similar tothose described with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a displaydevice. A liquid crystal display device illustrated in FIG. 8 caninclude elements substantially the same as or substantially similar tothose of the organic light emitting display device described withreference to FIG. 7, and therefore detailed description of thoseelements is omitted. The liquid crystal display device illustrated inFIG. 8 can be manufactured by processes substantially the same as orsubstantially similar to those described with reference FIGS. 1 to 6,except processes forming a liquid crystal layer 225, a sealant 233.

Referring to FIG. 8, the liquid crystal display device can include afirst substrate 100, a first electrode 187, a protection structure 190,a liquid crystal layer 225, a second electrode 236, a second substrate239, sealant 233.

At least one first transistor can be disposed in a pixel region (I) ofthe first substrate 100, and peripheral circuits including a gatedriver, a data driver and timing controller can be disposed in aperipheral circuit region (II) of the first substrate 100. An insulationlayer 181 can be positioned on the first substrate 100 to cover thelower structures including the transistor and the peripheral circuits.

A first polarization plate (not shown) can be disposed beneath the firstsubstrate 100. The first polarization plate can have an optical axissubstantially parallel to or substantially perpendicular to the liquidcrystal layer 225. A second polarization plate (not shown),substantially corresponding to the first polarization plate, can bedisposed on the second substrate 239. The second polarizing plate canalso have an optical axis substantially parallel to or substantiallyperpendicular to the liquid crystal layer 225. A color filter (notshown) can be disposed between the second substrate 239 and the secondelectrode 236 in the pixel region (I), and a light blocking layer (notshown) can be positioned between the second substrate 239 and the secondelectrode 236 in the peripheral circuit region (II). A first alignmentlayer (not shown) can be located between the first electrode 187 and theliquid crystal layer 225 in the pixel region (I), and a second alignmentlayer (not shown) can be disposed between the liquid crystal layer 225and the second electrode 236 in the peripheral circuit region (II).

In some embodiments, each of the first electrode 187 and the secondelectrode 236 can include a transparent material, and the protectionstructure 190 can include a transparent conductive material, metal,alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, and the like. In someembodiments, the protection structure 190 can include a materialsubstantially the same as or substantially similar to that of the firstelectrode 187 and/or that of the second electrode 236. In otherembodiments, the protection structure 190 can include a materialsubstantially different from that of the first electrode 187 and/or thatof the second electrode 236.

The first electrode 187 can be disposed on the insulation layer 181 inthe pixel region (I), and the protection structure 190 can be located onthe insulation layer 181 in the peripheral circuit region (II). Thefirst electrode 187 and the protection structure 190 can be positionedon one level. In some embodiments, an insulation layer (not shown) canbe formed on the first substrate 100. The insulation layer can have aconstruction substantially the same as or substantially similar to theinsulation layer including the first insulation film 182 and the secondinsulation film 211 described with reference to FIG. 7. The protectionstructure 190 can be formed on a first insulation film of the insulationlayer in the peripheral circuit region (II), whereas the first electrode187 can be formed on a second insulation film of the insulation layer inthe pixel region (II).

The liquid crystal layer 225 including a plurality of liquid crystalmolecules can be located on the first electrode 187 in the pixel region.The sealant 233, or an insulation film can be disposed on the protectionstructure 190 in the peripheral circuit region (II). The liquid crystallayer 225 can be injected into a space provided by a spacer (notillustrated) between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate239. A rubbing process can be performed about the first alignment layerand/or the second alignment layer in accordance with an orientation ofthe liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 225. When theliquid crystal layer 225 includes twisted nematic (TN) type liquidcrystal molecules, the rubbing process can be performed about the firstalignment layer and/or the second alignment layer to thereby determinean initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. Substantialstatic electricity can be generated in the rubbing process, so that theperipheral circuit structures can be easily damaged.

The second electrode 236 and the second substrate 239 can be disposed onthe liquid crystal layer 225 and the sealant 233. The second electrode236 can extend from the pixel region (I) to the peripheral circuitregion (II). The protection structure 190 can be electrically connectedto the second electrode 236 in the peripheral circuit region (II), suchthat damages to the peripheral circuits caused by the static electricitycan be effectively prevented. The static electricity can be generated inthe rubbing process executed on the first alignment layer and/or thesecond alignment layer, so that the damages to the peripheral circuitscan be caused. The static electricity can be dissipated by theprotection structure 190, such that the damage to the peripheralcircuits can be effectively prevented and failure of the liquid crystaldisplay device can be reduced.

According to some embodiments, a display device can include at least oneprotection structure entirely or respectively covering peripheralcircuits, so that the protection structure can effectively preventdamage to the peripheral circuits caused by static electricity generatedin processes for manufacturing the display device. Therefore, a failureof the display device can be reduced while improving a reliability ofthe display device.

The foregoing is illustrative of certain embodiments and is not to beconstrued as limiting thereof. Although a few embodiments have beendescribed, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible in the embodiments without materiallydeparting from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of the invention as defined in the claims. In the claims,means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structuresdescribed herein as performing the recited function and not onlystructural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Therefore, it isto be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of variousembodiments and is not to be construed as limited to the specificembodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosedembodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the appended claims.

1. A display device comprising: a substrate comprising a pixel region and a peripheral circuit region; a plurality of transistors on the substrate; an insulation layer covering the transistors; a first electrode on the insulation layer in the pixel region; at least one protection structure on the insulation layer in the peripheral circuit region; a pixel defining layer on the first electrode and the protection structure, the pixel defining layer exposing a portion of the first electrode; a light emitting structure on the exposed portion of the first electrode; and a second electrode on the light emitting structure and the pixel defining layer.
 2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of transistors in the peripheral circuit region have different conductive types, respectively.
 3. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first electrode and the protection structure include a material in common.
 4. The display device of claim 3, wherein each of the first electrode and the protection structure includes a transparent conductive material.
 5. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first electrode includes a material different from a material of the protection structure.
 6. The display device of claim 5, wherein the first electrode and the protection structure includes different materials respectively selected from the group consisting of metal, alloy, metal nitride and conductive metal oxide.
 7. The display device of claim 1, wherein the protection structure is electrically connected to the second electrode in the peripheral circuit region.
 8. The display device of claim 1, further comprising peripheral circuits including a gate driver, a data driver and a timing controller disposed on the substrate in the peripheral circuit region.
 9. The display device of claim 8, wherein the protection structure entirely covers the peripheral circuits.
 10. The display device of claim 8, wherein a plurality of protection structures cover the peripheral circuits, respectively.
 11. The display device of claim 1, wherein the insulation layer comprises: a first insulation film covering the transistors in the pixel region and the peripheral circuit region; and a second insulation film disposed on the first insulation film.
 12. The display device of claim 11, wherein the protection structure is disposed on the first insulation film in the peripheral circuit region, and the first electrode is disposed on the second insulation film in the pixel region.
 13. A display device comprising: a first substrate comprising a pixel region and a peripheral circuit region; a plurality of transistors on the first substrate; an insulation layer covering the transistors; a first electrode on the insulation layer in the pixel region; at least one protection structure on the insulation layer in the peripheral circuit region; a liquid crystal layer on the first electrode; a second electrode on the liquid crystal layer and the protection structure; and a second substrate on the second electrode.
 14. The display device of claim 13, wherein the protection structure is electrically connected to the second electrode.
 15. The display device of claim 13, further comprising peripheral circuits including a gate driver comprising the plurality of transistors, a data driver and a timing controller disposed on the first substrate in the peripheral circuit region.
 16. The display device of claim 15, wherein the protection structure entirely covers the peripheral circuits.
 17. The display device of claim 15, wherein a plurality of protection structures cover the peripheral circuits, respectively.
 18. The display device of claim 13, wherein the first electrode and the protection structure are disposed on one level or on different levels.
 19. A method of manufacturing a display device, comprising: forming peripheral circuits in a peripheral circuit region of a substrate comprising a pixel region and the peripheral circuit region; forming an insulation layer on the substrate to cover the peripheral circuits; forming a first electrode on the insulation layer in the pixel region; forming at least one protection structure on the insulation layer in the peripheral circuit region; forming a pixel defining layer on the first electrode and the protection structure to expose a portion of the first electrode; forming a light emitting structure on the exposed portion of the first electrode; and forming a second electrode on the light emitting structure and the pixel defining layer.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein forming the first electrode and forming the protection structure comprise: forming a conductive layer on the insulation layer; and patterning the conductive layer to form the first electrode and the protection structure in the pixel region and the peripheral circuit region, respectively.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein forming the insulation layer, forming the first electrode and forming the protection structure comprise: forming a first insulation film on the substrate to cover the peripheral circuits; forming the protection structure on the first insulation film in the peripheral circuit region; forming a second insulation film on the first insulation film and the protection structure; and forming the first electrode on the second insulation film in the pixel region.
 22. A method of manufacturing a display device, comprising: forming peripheral circuits in a peripheral circuit region of a first substrate comprising a pixel region and the peripheral circuit region; forming an insulation layer on the first substrate to cover the peripheral circuits; forming a first electrode on the insulation layer in the pixel region; forming at least one protection structure on the insulation layer in the peripheral circuit region; forming a liquid crystal layer on the first electrode; forming a second electrode on the liquid crystal layer and the protection structure; and forming a second substrate on the second electrode.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein forming the at least one protection structure comprises: forming a conductive layer on the insulation later; and patterning the conductive layer to form one protection structure entirely covering the peripheral circuits or to form a plurality of protection structures covering the peripheral circuits, respectively. 